Gangs – WWAY TV3http://www.wwaytv3.com
Covering Local News, Weather and Sports in Wilmington, NCFri, 09 Dec 2016 17:28:20 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.199503049Jury picked for reputed gang head’s kidnap trialhttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/06/06/the-latest-jury-picked-for-reputed-gang-heads-kidnap-trial/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/06/06/the-latest-jury-picked-for-reputed-gang-heads-kidnap-trial/#respondMon, 06 Jun 2016 23:29:58 +0000http://www.wwaytv3.com/?p=343905Jurors are ready to start hearing the case of a reputed Bloods street gang leader who could spend the rest of his life in federal prison if convicted of orchestrating the intended kidnapping of the prosecutor who put him in state prison for life.]]>

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – The Latest on the trial of a reputed high-ranking member of the Bloods street gang accused of orchestrating the abduction of a prosecutor’s father (all times local):

6:15 p.m.

Jurors are ready to start hearing the case of a reputed Bloods street gang leader who could spend the rest of his life in federal prison if convicted of orchestrating the intended kidnapping of the prosecutor who put him in state prison for life.

A jury of seven men and five women was seated Monday for the trial of 51-year-old Kelvin Melton.

Melton is accused of directing gang underlings to abduct the prosecutor who put him in prison for life in the shooting of a Raleigh man. Milton allegedly planned the abduction from his prison cell.

Gang members botched the kidnapping and took the prosecutor’s father instead. He was rescued from an Atlanta apartment. Prosecutors say his captors were finalizing details to kill him and dispose of his body.

___

12:45 p.m.

A violent leader in the Bloods street gang says he wants to represent himself in a North Carolina kidnapping trial because his lawyers don’t know enough about gang operations.

Fifty-one-year-old Kelvin Melton made the comments Monday during a 10-minute exchange with the judge before the start of a trial that could put him in federal prison for life. Melton is accused of directing underlings to abduct the prosecutor who put him in prison for life in an earlier North Carolina shooting case.

The botched plan led to gang members snatching the prosecutor’s father instead. Frank Janssen was saved when authorities stormed an Atlanta apartment where he was held. His captors were finalizing details to kill him and dispose of his body. Milton is accused of orchestrating the abduction from his prison cell.

The judge said Melton’s lawyers will continue to defend him.

___

7 a.m.

A violent criminal described as a high-ranking member of the Bloods street gang goes on trial in North Carolina after authorities say he helped orchestrate from his prison cell the abduction of a prosecutor’s father.

Fifty-one-year-old Kelvin Melton was already serving a life sentence for ordering underlings to shoot a Raleigh man when the prosecutor’s father was abducted two years ago. Melton’s trial on kidnapping and other charges starts Monday in federal court in Raleigh.

Authorities say Melton used a smuggled cellphone to target the Wake County prosecutor who put him away for the Raleigh shooting. The botched plan led to gang members snatching the prosecutor’s father instead. Frank Janssen was saved when authorities stormed an Atlanta apartment where he was held. His captors were finalizing details to kill him and dispose of his body.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/06/06/the-latest-jury-picked-for-reputed-gang-heads-kidnap-trial/feed/0343905Guard: Gangs are strong in South Carolina’s juvenile prisonhttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/03/10/guard-gangs-are-strong-in-south-carolinas-juvenile-prison/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/03/10/guard-gangs-are-strong-in-south-carolinas-juvenile-prison/#commentsFri, 11 Mar 2016 02:10:18 +0000http:wway.wcbi.com/?p=322214An officer at a juvenile prison in Columbia told lawmakers that gangs are strong in the jail which has led to three riots in the past eight months.]]>

By JEFFREY COLLINS
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) — An officer at a juvenile prison in Columbia told lawmakers that gangs are strong in the jail which has led to three riots in the past eight months.

Catherine McKnight told a House committee investigating the Department of Juvenile Justice on Thursday that if the situation isn’t improved children and staffers could be killed.

DJJ Director Sylvia Murray told legislators that the agency hasn’t had a gang intervention specialist in a year and the police chief’s job has been open for almost three years despite having more than $3 million in the bank at the end of last year.

Murray says DJJ is taking steps to protect prisoner and staff safety like implementing stricter discipline, installing sinks that can’t be ripped from walls and housing juveniles based on risk.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/03/10/guard-gangs-are-strong-in-south-carolinas-juvenile-prison/feed/2322214Out of control: The never-ending crime cyclehttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/02/16/313497/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/02/16/313497/#commentsWed, 17 Feb 2016 03:10:47 +0000http:wway.wcbi.com/?p=313497Police say offenders are committing crimes, getting out and then committing more crimes sometimes even more violent crimes.]]>

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We hear many people describe the justice system as a revolving door. Police say offenders are committing crimes, getting out and then committing more crimes; sometimes even more violent crimes.

Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous said there is a revolving door when it comes to jail and prison terms.

“We are arresting these people, and when you see lulls where violence is down, it’s because they’ve been incarcerated,” Evangelous said. “When they get released, we can go to the bank that there is going to be an increase in violence when they are released out of jail and prison.”

Deputy Chief Mitch Cunningham said this is even more apparent when it comes to gangs and youth violence connected to gang activity.

“To a certain point they become immersed in this violent culture. We will have certain offenders tell us they expect to be in prison or dead by the age of 30,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham says that kind of mentality doesn’t help their cause.

“I feel like we are in a tug-of-war,” he said. “We’ve got us and the social service providers trying to pull them out of gangs, and then you have the gang members pulling them into the gangs. Sometimes we win. Sometimes we lose.”

Chief Evangelous says longer sentences could help a lot to the reduce violent crimes.

“The rest of the justice system needs to incarcerate these violent criminals and get them off the street,” Evangelous said. “Until we do that we are going to have this cycle of violence that continues.”

District Attorney Ben David said it’s not that simple.

“There’s a limit to what we can do based on the criminal history and also based on what they are charged with,” David said.

North Carolina’s justice process is bound by structured sentencing. Judges and prosecutors go by a chart to determine sentencing for a felony. David said North Carolina’s structured sentencing can at times be restrictive, especially when it comes to youth violence.

“For first time offenders who are committing low-lying offenses, judges can’t always put them in jail even if they wanted to,” David said.

He said they are constantly looking for ways to keep serious offenders behind bars for longer periods of time, like higher bonds, for example, but when it comes to making any changes to the sentencing structure, we look to lawmakers like Rep. Susi Hamilton.

“The argument against longer sentences is it increases costs, but the flip side of that is longer sentences can keep very dangerous criminals off the street for longer periods of time,” Hamilton, a Wilmington Democrat, said.

According to the NC Department of Public Safety there are 56 state prisons in North Carolina, and 36,750 inmates throughout the whole system. It costs $83.29 each day to house on inmate, which is on average $29,160 a year for each inmate. That’s around $1 billion going into the prison system to house inmates.

Hamilton says it could be time to weight the costs.

“If we are going to increase sentencing for more dangerous crimes, then we probably need to look at the other side of the equation,” she said. “So OK, where can we reduce sentences to get people out of the jailhouse so we can put people in there that truly belong there?”

But jail or prison may not be for every offender. David said investment in community programs and education is just as important as investing in the prison system.

“There’s a lot of young offenders, when they first encounter the criminal justice system, we need to work on trying to keep them in school, and we shouldn’t abandon all the great work that’s being done,” David said.

Leading Into New Communities, or LINC, is a non-profit in Wilmington. It has a number of programs designed to help youth and adults get on the right track in life.

Last month we visited LINC and met Juan Bethea. Bethea told us he turned his life around after participating in a program for young African American men to reduce barriers in education and employment. Now he is an interim youth director for LINC.

“You see me still the same person, not back in jail, which is obviously, according to statistics, I beat the odds,” Bethea said.

And beating the odds can be tough. David said statistics show two out of three offenders released will be back in jail in three years.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/02/16/313497/feed/1313497Point’s bond raised to $1M in gang stabbinghttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/01/07/points-bond-raised-to-1m-in-stabbing-case/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2016/01/07/points-bond-raised-to-1m-in-stabbing-case/#commentsThu, 07 Jan 2016 20:05:52 +0000http:wway.wcbi.com/?p=289849A judge today agreed to increase the bond for a Wilmington man wanted in connection to what investigators say was a gang-related stabbing.]]>

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A judge today agreed to increase the bond for a Wilmington man wanted in connection to what investigators say was a gang-related stabbing.

Antonio Point is now in jail under $1 million as he waits for a new trial date of March 28, according to a spokeswoman for the District Attorney. Point is charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with attempt to kill in the 2014 stabbing of Edvis Galloway, who investigators say was a rival gang member.

In the middle of the day on Castle Street, you will find people walking, businesses booming, and holiday decorations glowing.

“We call it the art and antique district,” Lavengood said.

This weekend, Castle Corner Antiques and Collectables Owner Cybil Lavengood said the scene was quite different just a few blocks up the road.

“I was on my way to the shop from church,” Lavengood said.

A crime scene where five people were shot.

“I was very upset, couldn’t believe that that would happen on a beautiful Sunday morning,” Lavengood said.

Lavengood said concern spread quickly.

“We are very sorry for the families that this is happening to and for the community and for the town,” Lavengood said. “I don’t like to see the town get that kind of a reputation as being a gang-related town”

She said the problem is not on Castle Street, it is throughout Wilmington.

“Oh, yes,” Lavengood said. “There is no question about that.”

Lavengood said she has never had to question her safety here, but she said the businesses do have one problem.

“Graffiti on the buildings,” Lavengood said.

Sunday, she said she found some on hers.

“It bothers me,” Lavengood said.

Lavengood said she is not an expert, but rumors are that they are gang-related.

“I’m told that’s how they mark their territory and their buildings, but I haven’t a clue in the world.”

Wilmington police say they can use gang-related graffiti for crime investigations. As police continue investigating Sunday’s deadly shooting, Lavengood said it is up to the whole community to help prevent future killings.

“If the families in the community don’t take care, then there is not much we as individuals can do, but be supportive,” Lavengood said.

Wilmington police say no arrests have been made in the mass shooting at this time.

Sweet was arrested in March with 30 bindles of heroin and $17,67 near S. Kerr Avenue and Park Avenue.

After bonding out of jaill and missing a court appearance, law enforcement spotted Sweet in a car at a gas station on Gordon Road. Officers approached Sweet and managed to grab his arm, but Sweet hit the gas, dragged a deputy about 25 yards with his car AND nearly hit another. Sweet drove off, but crashed his car and was arrested.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/07/16/known-gang-member-pleads-guilty/feed/0164688Police: Suspected gang members facing chargeshttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/04/15/police-suspected-gang-members-facing-charges/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/04/15/police-suspected-gang-members-facing-charges/#respondWed, 15 Apr 2015 06:49:58 +0000http://dev.wwaytv3.com/2015/04/15/police-suspected-gang-members-facing-charges/BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two men who are suspected to be gang members were arrested in Leland on multiple drug charges.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office arrested
Lamar Jerome Morris, 25, and Terae Kareem Graham, 27, after a four-month long investigation.

Morris is charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver (PWIMSD) heroin, two counts of PWIMSD marijuana, possession of a firearm by a felon, maintaining a vehicle used for keeping and selling heroin and marijuana, trafficking heroin, removing a gun serial number, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts of manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining a dwelling house used for keeping and selling heroin, MDMA, and marijuana, possession of marijuana, and PWIMSD MDMA.

Graham is charged with PWIMSD heroin, PWIMSD marijuana, possession of a firearm by a felon, removing a gun serial number, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Morris and Graham are being held in the Brunswick County Detention Facility under bond.

A four-month investigation by BCSO, WPD and NHCSO ended Monday afternoon when Morris and Graham were pulled over at approximately on Hwy 133 in Leland following several controlled drug buys from Morris.

A search of the vehicle and later search of Morris’ residence yielded numerous drugs including approximately 150 bindles of heroin, 70 dosage units of MDMA, one pound of marijuana, over $9,000 in cash, and a gun were seized.

The drugs are estimated to have a street value of $10,000.

Both Morris and Graham are thought to be associated with or members of the blood gang in Wilmington.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/04/15/police-suspected-gang-members-facing-charges/feed/090390NHC Sheriff’s investigation results in three arrestshttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/02/13/nhc-sheriffs-investigation-results-in-three-arrests/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/02/13/nhc-sheriffs-investigation-results-in-three-arrests/#respondSat, 14 Feb 2015 04:50:32 +0000http://dev.wwaytv3.com/2015/02/13/nhc-sheriffs-investigation-results-in-three-arrests/NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An investigation by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of three men, two who are validated gang members.

According to a news release, the investigation was into heroin that was coming into Wilmington and New Hanover County from New York.

Michael Samuel McMillian, 30, Ahmad Rasshad H Davis, 38, and Curtis Lance Gause, 47 were all arrested and face several charges including trafficking in opium or heroin. The news release said McMillian and Davis are both validated gang members.

Detectives also seized an amount of heroin that would produce about 5,000 bags with a street value of about $210,000.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/02/13/nhc-sheriffs-investigation-results-in-three-arrests/feed/087985UPDATE: Sheriff suspends jailer day after inmate escapehttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/01/31/update-sheriff-suspends-jailer-day-after-inmate-escape/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/01/31/update-sheriff-suspends-jailer-day-after-inmate-escape/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000A Brunswick County Jail inmate has been charged with allegedly helping his brother escape from jail yesterday afternoon.]]>BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County Jail inmate has been charged with allegedly helping his brother escape from jail yesterday afternoon.

Warrants show Curtis Wayne Hewett (right) is charged with escape from a county or municipal facility for allegedly aiding and abetting the escape of William Earl Hewett (left) Thursday around 4 p.m. Deputies have been searching for William Hewett ever since.

Sheriff John Ingram described what happened.

“They were able to make his brother’s bond, they switched armbands and he presented himself to be his brother,” Ingram said.

Sheriff said that process should not be easy and now the sheriff’s office is also investigating their own protocols.

“Inevitably, there can be failures in the system” Ingram said. “We have a solid system that I would put up against anyone’s in the state.”

Ingram said after a similar escape three years ago, the sheriff’s office added several steps to their checks and balances. That system includes scanning an inmate’s eyes, writing their social security number down and a picture placed on the arm bracelet.

“Obviously, in this situation, someone did not do their job and they will be held accountable for it,” Ingram said.

Friday the sheriff suspended Cpl. Ashley Harrell, a jailer. She’s worked for the sheriff’s office since February of last year.

Investigators say William Hewett is a validated member of the Folk Nation gang. He is a white male, 5’7″, 140 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes. He has a teardrop tattoo under his right eye, KATHY tattooed on his left hand and WILL on his right upper arm. Deputies say use caution if you come in contact with him.

We went to Hewett’s family’s neighborhood in Southport Friday night. Residents and people we spoke with said they were too afraid to talk to us on camera.

Investigators say if you see anyone or anything suspicious to call 911.

William Hewett was in jail on charged including kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, flee to elude arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle and several counts of failure to appear in court. Curtis Hewett was in jail charged with assault on a female.

The sheriff’s office is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to Hewett’s arrest.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/01/31/update-sheriff-suspends-jailer-day-after-inmate-escape/feed/1454549Deputies arrest convicted heroin dealerhttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/01/23/deputies-arrest-convicted-heroin-dealer/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/01/23/deputies-arrest-convicted-heroin-dealer/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested a convicted heroin dealer on new drug charges.]]>NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested a convicted heroin dealer on new drug charges.

Investigators said after a three-month investigation, Roger Arthur Jr. was arrested Thursday in the 1000 block of Dawson Street. Arthur is facing charges including heroin trafficking after investigators said they found Arthur with 200 bindles of the drug.

Deputies say Arthur is a validated Blood gang member and was sentenced to federal prison for a previous heroin trafficking investigation.

Arthur is being held in the New Hanover County Detention Facility under no bond.

Wilmington Police and the F.B.I. Safe Streets Task Force assisted in the arrest.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/01/23/deputies-arrest-convicted-heroin-dealer/feed/554461Two Brunswick County men facing numerous drug chargeshttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/11/11/two-brunswick-county-men-facing-numerous-drug-charges/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/11/11/two-brunswick-county-men-facing-numerous-drug-charges/#respondWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A validated gang member is behind bars after he and another man were arrested on drug charges.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said Terry Ray Chaney, of Shallotte and a validated gang member, was arrested Friday night for felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver (PWIMSD) a Schedule VI controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. A search of Chaney’s car led to the seizure of approximately eight ounces of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine.

Detectives with the BCSO Investigative Unit and South End Task Force also charged Chaney with outstanding warrants of felony breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering stemming from an incident that occurred on Feb 18, 2014 in Ocean Isle Beach. Chaney, 25, is being held in the Brunswick County Detention Facility under a $2,020,000 bond.

That same evening, police arrested Andre Montrel Thomas after a search warrant was executed at a home in the 8000 block of Catawba Lane in Ash. Thomas, 29, was charged with felony maintaining a dwelling house, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, felony manufacturing marijuana, and felony PWIMSD marijuana. Over a pound of marijuana was seized from the residence as a result of the search. Thomas was processed then later released under a $30,000 bond.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/11/11/two-brunswick-county-men-facing-numerous-drug-charges/feed/053517‘Gang kingpin,’ 8 others busted for drugs, weaponshttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/11/06/gang-kingpin-8-others-busted-for-drugs-weapons/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/11/06/gang-kingpin-8-others-busted-for-drugs-weapons/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000After a month-long investigation, deputies said they busted a man they called a gang kingpin, in addition to several others, on drug and stolen gun charges.
]]>NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — After a month-long investigation, deputies said they busted a man they called a gang kingpin, in addition to several others, on drug and stolen gun charges. Deputies said that kingpin was on house arrest at the time of the bust in connection with an attempted murder investigation.

Investigators made the bust at a home on the 600 block of North 11th Street on Wednesday just after 5:00 p.m. Deputies said Rashawn Hines was on house arrest at that location, which is also his sister’s home. Deputies said that they received numerous complaints about that home as being a Blood Gang member hangout house.

“A large criminal, a violent criminal that has a violent criminal past, we were able to get him as well as his distribution system off the streets of New Hanover County,” Sgt. Jerry Brewer said.

Nine people were placed under arrest including Hines. The other suspects include Michael Williams, Curtis Marshall, Jamar Sterling, Rashaun Wilson, Charese Ingram, Candice Shuford, Tawnee Smith and Jasmine Hines. Deputies said five or six of the nine arrested are convicted felons and many are members of the gang.

Deputies added that in addition to the heroin seized at the home, six guns and money were also recovered. One of the recovered guns was reported stolen, deputies said.

Hines is in jail under a $5 million bond and is scheduled to be in court next month. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Wilmington Police helped with the investigation.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/11/06/gang-kingpin-8-others-busted-for-drugs-weapons/feed/105347216-year-old shot and killed, police looking for 5 suspectshttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/09/08/16-year-old-shot-and-killed-police-looking-for-5-suspects/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/09/08/16-year-old-shot-and-killed-police-looking-for-5-suspects/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000Police in Chadbourn say they are trying to identify five men they believe were involved in the shooting of a 16-year-old from Clarkton. ]]>CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY) — Police in Chadbourn say they are trying to identify five men they believe were involved in the shooting of a 16-year-old from Clarkton.

Chadbourn Police Chief Robert Mumblow says Travis Bellamy was shot and killed around 5 p.m. Saturday. Mumblow says Bellamy was standing on West Institute Street talking on his cell phone when a silver car driven by his cousin arrived, and he began talking to the people inside. Then shots were fired from down the street. Bullets hit the vehicle and Bellamy was shot in the side and head. Witnesses say the car quickly turned around and drove away.

Neighbors would not identify themselves, but they say Bellamy was in a gang, and they believe this shooting was gang related.

Police say they have no evidence that indicates this was a gang-related murder.

Reports say they found Bellamy lying on the side of the road. He had a two weapons in his pockets: a 9mm handgun and a .22 caliber pistol. There was no sign Bellamy used either of those guns to return fire.

The district attorney’s office said the charges stem from arrests on March 30, 2012. When Wilmington Police got a tip from an informant, investigators launched what would become a two-month investigation.

Investigators said they found out the United Blood Nation gang from New Jersey had connected with Wilmington members. Investigators watched the suspects, and then bought heroin from them at the Days Inn Motel on Market Street. That’s how investigators were able to get a warrant to search the rooms the suspects had rented. There, they found 2,718 glassine bags of heroin and arrested eight suspects for several drug felonies. Five ended up facing charges.

Last week, Stephen Poole, 23, Leah Porter, 31, James Thomas, 36, Tykeem Thomas, 39, and Reginald Willis, 30, all admitted in New Hanover County court to heroin trafficking. Poole also pleaded guilty to selling and delivering the drug. Their sentences range from up to one year to more than 16 years in prison.

District Attorney Ben David said it’s important to give drug traffickers harsh sentences.

“Heroin is a dangerous drug that takes the lives of hundreds of people each year,” David said. “Drug dealers from Wilmington, and from other cities, need to know that my office takes offenses involving heroin seriously and that offenders will face stiff penalties for dealing drugs in my district.”

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/07/28/da-gangs-connect-to-traffic-heroin-wilmington/feed/252044Wilmington man pleads guilty to 2nd degree murderhttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/07/24/wilmington-man-pleads-guilty-to-2nd-degree-murder/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/07/24/wilmington-man-pleads-guilty-to-2nd-degree-murder/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +000022 year-old Terrell Robinson appeared in court today for the gang-related shooting of a young man in 2012. Robinson plead guilty to a 2nd degree murder charge.
Now, family friends that were at the murder are speaking out against gang violence. ]]>WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — 22 year-old Terrell Robinson appeared in court today for the gang-related shooting of a young man in 2012. Robinson plead guilty to a 2nd degree murder charge.

Now, family friends that were at the murder are speaking out against gang violence. Family friend Wanda Richmond says she’s had enough. “We have to stop this gang violence,” Richmond said. “Gang violence is our number one problem in Wilmington. You follow the command of somebody. Look what happens,” Richmond said.

Richmond saw first hand what happens May 12, 2012. She recounts the day 22 year old David McPhatter was shot three times at a cookout in front of her hair salon on castle street.
“I held him in a fetal position as if he was my child and I began to talk to him as he was fighting to take his very last breath,” Richmond said.

That’s when Wilmington gang violence claimed another victim, 22 year-old David McPhatter. McPhatter and the two young men charged with his murder had a previous run in weeks before the shooting.

Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan goes over the case during the trial.
“There was a fight where David Mcphatter seemed to come out on top and this was, appeared to be a retaliation,” Jordan said.

The retaliation was an attempt to get McPhatter to rejoin a gang. Jordan says it’s hard to see see a 22 year-old take a plea.
“We have such young gang violence going on in Wilmington right now,” Jordan said.

Richmond is friends with both Robinson and the victim’s family. She hope Robinson’s prison time will give him a chance to turn his life around and become a voice against gang violence. Richmond says Wilmington depends on it.
“… Our youth, our future, our reputation,” Richmond said.

The judge said Robinson is looking to serve anywhere from 13-17 years behind bars.

Guerro will go to trial for first degree murder in October.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/07/24/wilmington-man-pleads-guilty-to-2nd-degree-murder/feed/1251996NHSO, WPD to move gang, housing, downtown units under same roofhttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/04/23/nhso-wpd-to-move-gang-housing-downtown-units-under-same-roof/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/04/23/nhso-wpd-to-move-gang-housing-downtown-units-under-same-roof/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000A new initiative is joining some forces of the New Hanover County Sheriff's office and the Wilmington Police Department under one roof. They are transforming the former "Shaw Speaks" building downtown into a "law enforcement fusion" building.]]>WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new initiative is joining some forces of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s office and the Wilmington Police Department under one roof.

They are transforming the former “Shaw Speaks” building downtown into a “law enforcement fusion” building.

The building was owned by the county and they have saved money by having most of it repainted by inmates.

“It just makes sense,” Sheriff Ed McMahon said. If we’re gonna be working together then we need to have areas where we can house the officers together.”

So that’s exactly what they did. They’re placing the housing unit and gang task force under one roof. Blue offices for WPD and tan for the Sheriff’s Office.

“One department of division may know something else, and if that information is not shared, then it takes longer,” Deputy Police Chief Marshall Williamson said.

They hope sharing resources will allow them to solve problems more quickly.

The building will also house Elements, the youth violence and intervention program.

Program director Kristy Williams says this is going to be huge.

“There are endless opportunities. We haven’t had a space to work out of in the past,” Williams said. “We’ve had to do everything in the homes, in the community.”

The building gives Elements space for kids to study and play.

Sheriff McMahon hopes placing officers and at-risk youth in the same facility will show a softer side to law enforcement.

“It’s so important that our youth do not just see our law enforcement enforcing the law and arresting people,” McMahon said.

(5) Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance within a 1000 ft of a School

(1) Count of Trafficking Herion

(1) Count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell and Deliver Marijuana

(3) Counts of Firearm by Felon

Police also said Bryant produced and starred in the Youtube video 'Roll Up Ralph', showing local gang members with assault weapons and smoking marijuana.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/04/03/investigation-leads-to-validated-gang-members-arrest/feed/1250514Suspect claims innocence, denies gang tieshttp://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/03/14/suspect-claims-innocence-denies-gang-ties/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/03/14/suspect-claims-innocence-denies-gang-ties/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000Police say a validated gang member shot at a couple weeks ago is charged with a stabbing. They also say they are searching for two of his brothers in connection with the crime.
Today we sat down with the suspect in jail to figure out what is going on with another string of violence police say is gang-related.]]>WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Police say a validated gang member shot at a couple weeks ago is charged with a stabbing. They also say they are searching for two of his brothers in connection with the crime.

Today we sat down with the suspect in jail to figure out what is going on with another string of violence police say is gang-related.

William Point, 19, is charged with first degree attempted murder, but he says he is an innocent man.

“I told them I was in the barber shop and stuff and that I didn’t see nothing,” Point said. “They like, ‘no, that’s a lie, that’s a lie.’ I’m like, ‘ how is that a lie?’ I mean I can’t really say nothing I didn’t see. So they didn’t believe me, so they just took me down.”

Wilmington Police say Point and two of his brothers, Adrian, 22, and Antonio, 21, tried to kill Edvis Galloway Wednesday near 10th and Chestnut streets. Investigators say it was gang related, but Point says he is not part of a gang.

“My favorite color is red, but I ain’t affiliated,” William Point said. “I be around people, but I ain’t affiliated.”

But Sgt. Amy Guy of the WPD Gang Task Force says he is. She says as the weather heats up, so does gang activity.

“One gang member can disrespect the other, simple as throwing a hand sign at him or that type of thing, and then they have to make a name for themselves, stand up for their gang, and that’s where you see a lot of the violence,” Sgt. Guy said.

Point says this is not the case for him

“I’m not trying to make a name, but other people might,” he said.

He says police are targeting him and his brothers.

“We be getting targeted and stuff like that, but we don’t be starting stuff,” Point said.

Guy says parents need to pay close attention to who their kids are hanging out with and what they are doing.

The search continues for his Antonio and Adrion Point. Anyone with information is asked to contact Wilmington Police or send an anonymous tip to their Text-a-Tip hotline.

William Point is in jail under a $750,000 bond.

]]>http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/03/14/suspect-claims-innocence-denies-gang-ties/feed/1250205Community gang forums end, but what’s next?http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/02/26/community-gang-forums-end-but-what’s-next/
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/02/26/community-gang-forums-end-but-what’s-next/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000
After a summer of violence Wilmington City Leaders decided a community effort was needed to try and end gang violence, but after six meetings in four months some are asking when we are going to start seeing results.]]>WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After a summer of violence Wilmington City Leaders decided a community effort was needed to try and end gang violence, but after six meetings in four months some are asking when we are going to start seeing results.

“People want to see more action instead of just coming to the forums and talking about issues they want to see action,” said Chappelle Green. “I really believe that this forum is going to start some kind of motivation.”

While some who have attended the Wilmington gang forums are looking for wholesale changes others look at success stories like Jonathan Hering, a former gang member who is now in school full time at Cape Fear Community College, volunteers in two youth mentoring programs, and works two jobs.

“The minority male mentoring program shows that you can be a minority, and a male, and make good grades and go to a four year colleges and do everything else that other people can do,” said Jonathan Hering. “I’m working, and I’m going to school, and I feel like me going to school can help encourage somebody else.”

Since the forums have started the Wilmington City Council has invested thousands in numerous programs such as LINK, which gives felons the skills they need to succeed in a professional environment.

Despite the steps which have already been taken panel members say they feel like city leaders are more focused on building downtown parks than community centers that could help solve the problem.

“The chamber is already committed to raise money to support closing the achievement gap for those students who would not otherwise be in a learning environment during the summer,” said Sterling Cheatham. “We’ve seen an increase in volunteerism and we’ve seen more people come out and want to mentor our kids and I think all of those are positive signs.”

The Wilmington Police Department is holding a youth event on Sunday, March 16th, at Jungle Rapids where kids who say they’re in the Safe Teen program will receive a discount.